The Province

Welcome runners, spectators, superheroe­s – and dreamers

HISTORIC YEAR SEES UNVEILING OF TWO NEW POINT-TO-POINT COURSES THAT BETTER SHOWCASE VANCOUVER AS A WORLD-CLASS RUNNING CITY

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T hrilling performanc­es. Personal triumphs. Jaw dropping views. Dreamers. Achievers. Superheroe­s. Welcome to the 2012 BMO Vancouver Marathon!

This year is historic for the 41st running of the BMO Vancouver Marathon. On May 6th, two NEW point-to-point courses will be launched starting from Queen Elizabeth Park and finishing downtown near the waterfront at Canada Place.

The new courses are the first re-design of the Marathon and Half Marathon courses in over a decade. Runners, spectators, supporters and sponsors all agreed it was time to better showcase the running city we have become. It took nearly two years of consultati­ons lead by a Volunteer Race Committee, but we now have overwhelmi­ng support from dozens of business organizati­ons, government agencies and community groups.

The BMO Vancouver Marathon will now include a separate Marathon and Half Marathon course encompassi­ng a combined total of 63 kilometres of some of the most stunning views and landmarks in the city of Vancouver.

As a runner, you will journey through some of Vancouver’s charming tree-lined neighbourh­oods, see our stunning beaches, coastal mountain views and iconic landmarks, be entertaine­d by 17 musical groups, motivated at 10 BMO Cheer Challenge Stations, and safeguarde­d by our crew of nearly 4,000 volunteers. The courses, while beautiful, will be fast, yet challengin­g. Expect to achieve personal bests and witness course records.

For our many charity partners, BMO Vancouver Marathon runners have also become superheroe­s. They participat­e to influence social change and/or raise funds for important causes dear to their heart.

As a volunteer, spectator, supporter, cheer group, musical act or sponsor, you will experience a new BMO Vancouver Marathon destined to be a world-class event and now recognized as a Forbes Top 10 destinatio­n Marathon.

An event of this size and scope can only be achieved with the support from many people. I would like to extend a special thank you to our sponsors, volunteers, event staff, suppliers, supporters, including the City of Vancouver, Vancouver Parks Board, Translink, and many, many others, who have helped make this great event possible. I am extremely grateful for your passion, collaborat­ion and commitment.

Visit us at our FREE Health, Sports & Lifestyle Expo starting Thursday, May 3 through Sunday, May 6th at Canada Place. Join us race day on May 6th to help celebrate this amazing achievemen­t of sport and community. Charlene Krepiakevi­ch

Executive Director Vancouver Internatio­nal Marathon

Society BMO Vancouver Marathon

 ?? — SUBMITTED PHOTOS ?? CHARLENE KREPIAKEVI­CH
— SUBMITTED PHOTOS CHARLENE KREPIAKEVI­CH

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